Multiple Offers? Really?

My new listing at 4929 9th St, NW has multiple offers!  I'm flabbergasted.  Seriously.  It's very exciting.

I think we're seeing the result of the 8K closing cost credit expiring on Nov. 30th and a lack of inventory at this price point.  This house does have a ton of potential.  It also needs some major updating. 

Since this is an estate sale, it is more complicated than a regular sale.  In addition, one of the tenants has decided to excercise their first right of refusal.  I did disclose this fact as potential buyers decided to make offers.  It might take a couple of days for the dust to settle and for an offer to be accepted. 

Stay tuned to see how it progresses!

New listing! 4929 9th St, NW Open Sunday 1:30-4pm

I have a new listing at 4929 9th St, NW.  It's an estate sale, 4 bedroom, 2 full baths.  It's a bright, corner row house with the original hardwood floors.  The rooms are large.  It has a new roof, new windows, a newer hot water heater and a new boiler.  It does need some updating but it has tons of potential.  It also has a basement rental/au pair/in law suite.  That's where the second bath is located and a mini kitchen.  There's also a front porch, garage and a lovely back yard.

I put in the MLS last night and I've already had 5 phone calls about the house.  I guess the push to close by Nov. 30th is officially ON!  

I'll be holding an Open House on Sunday from 1:30-4pm.  If you'd like to see the virtual tour, click here.

The 9 Day Black Nail Polish Manicure

On Saturday Sept. 12th, I joined a friend for a mani/pedi. She'd had a tough week and her fiance (take note men) bought her a day of beauty at the Red Door Spa in Mazza Gallery. I couldn't join her for the whole day of festivities because I had to work. I was able to catch up with her in the afternoon for a mani/pedi.

For some reason, fall=black nail polish to me. I also like to pretend I'm a bad *ss mamajama. In honor of the first day that felt like Fall, I had the manicurist use the color in the picture at the top of the page. (Yes I have man hands. It's another thing that Giada D. and I have in common.) I expected it to chip within days. IT HASN'T AND THAT WAS NINE DAYS AGO. I'm abnormally excited by this discovery.

I'm not usually the manicure type. I'm always doing things with my hands and generally they're pretty beat up. If I do paint my nails, I usually do it myself. Maybe that's why my black polish is always chipping so quickly. Anyway, I am so very excited to present you with the 9 day, black nail polish manicure!! I wonder if it'll last until tomorrow?

Lonny Magazine launches in October

Last week, I told you about my obsession with Domino magazine. I was crushed when it folded and the extra Glamour issues I received instead didn't lessen the pain. I don't like Dwell (why is their layout so bad? I can never tell if I'm looking at a feature or an ad. Is that on purpose?) and the other design magazines are too complicated. I enjoy flipping the pages but I've never utilized any ideas in my own home. On the flip side, I actually used a lot of the ideas I saw in Domino. Where do you think I got the idea for our recycled aluminum back splash??

Well I have exciting news..one of the ex-editors from Domino is launching a new on-line magazine called Lonny on October 1st. Hopefully it will be chock full of cute ideas that I can steal...um..interpret..in my place.

New Murphy Team Website!!

After years (and I do mean years) of discussion, The Murphy Team has finally launched our new website: http://www.tmurphyteam.com/

Our previous website was circa the early '90's and it was not user friendly. This is a wonderful update that allows you to search for properties, view testimonials, look at our listings and contact any of the agents on the team. It's a welcome addition.

Only One Left!

I am happy to report that Unit 1 at 1221 Harvard St, NW is SOLD. Yes, it's very exciting news. I have one left, the top unit (pictured here). I'm having an Open House this weekend on Sunday, 9/13/09 from 1:30-4pm. Please join me if you're in the area.

Mod to Modern

One of the best things about being a real estate agent is being able to glimpse the interiors of different types of properties. I'm fascinated by interior design and the process of designing a space to make it a home. I was an avid reader of Domino magazine and I was crushed when it folded. (Although I did keep every single issue for inspiration.) I'm obsessed with Jonathan Adler and HGTV's Design Challenge. I also love the Home and Garden section of The Post.

In today's edition of the Home and Garden section, there's a great article about interior designer Lori Graham and the project she did on a Watergate penthouse. Lori often works with one of my team members, Ross Vann, so I've been able to see some of her work. I love her point of view with it's mix of modern and traditional. I also *really* want every single light fixture she uses. That's one of her signatures. It's a minor detail that always makes a big difference in the finished look. Although she's no stranger to good press, it's pretty cool to see her work featured in The Post.

8K First Time Home Buyer Credit Expires Nov. 30

It's the last weekend of summer. Can you believe the summer passed so quickly? Fall is on it's way and I'm excited. I love the change of seasons and the cooler weather. We've had a great taste of of it this week with temperatures in the 70's.

This fall we also have the expiration of the 8K First Time Home Buyers Credit. We're already seeing an uptick in buyers trying to make the Nov. 30th deadline. The big news is that your deal has to be CLOSED by Nov. 30th. I wrote about the deadline a couple of months ago and everyone in the real estate business is writing about it too. NAR (National Association of Realtors) published this article in their weekly newsletter: "Home Buyer Tax Credit Countdown Begins."

If you are a first time home buyer (and this is defined as anyone who hasn't purchased in the last 3 years), this is the time to move forward. A lot of the news sources are saying the market has hit bottom. I know I'm seeing some good deals in my area.

It's a big change from last Fall when everything was in a free fall and NOBODY was buying. I'm happy to report that sales have been up for the last three months in the DC area and Nationally. I hope the trend continues.